Child Abuse Help

Child abuse and neglect is a widespread and dangerous problem. In Nevada, the number of reports for suspected child abuse and neglect has continuously increased year over year. Individuals can call Crisis Support Services of Nevada 24/7 at 1-833-803-1183 to report child abuse.

How to Report Child Abuse

If you suspect and have a reasonable cause to believe child abuse has occurred or may be occurring, you should report that person as soon as possible to local authorities, Child Protective Services, or by calling Crisis Support Services of Nevada’s 24-hour crisis line at 1-833-803-1183. A person with reasonable cause that makes a report does not have to provide proof that abuse has occurred as an investigation is the responsibility of Child Protective Services and/or law enforcement.

Incoming calls to report child abuse that are made during normal business hours are transferred to the appropriate agency, and after-hours reports are taken by Crisis Support Services of Nevada staff for all overnight, weekend and holiday hours. All child abuse and neglect related reports will be directed to Division of Child and Family Services, Child Protective Services or law enforcement in the appropriate county depending on the level of urgency involved.

Emotional Abuse

This type of injury can result in observable and substantial impairment of a child’s behavior and includes excessive verbal assaults on a regular basis, like put-downs, threats, sarcasm, screaming or blaming. Indicators can include:

Poor appetite

Daytime toilet accidents

Antisocial behavior

Depression and/or attempts of suicide

Exhibits extreme behavior, such as overly aggressive or passive

Failure to thrive

Sexual Abuse & Exploitation

Sexual assault against a child happens when bribes or threats are used to engage a child, 16 years or younger, to perform sexual activities that are not limited to rape, oral sex, anal intercourse, incest, fondling or obscene remarks. Child exploitation includes, but is not limited to: taking pornographic photos or movies of minors, promoting prostitution of minors, obscene phone calls or inappropriate exposure of genitalia. Some indicators of sexual abuse and/or exploitation may include:

Sophisticated or unusual sexual knowledge

Depression

Difficulty walking or sitting

Delinquency or running away

Torn, stained or bloody underclothing

Painful, itching, bruised, bleeding or inflamed genital or anal areas

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

Child Neglect

Child neglect is an endangerment of a child because of the lack of standard attention, treatment and care required by the caregiver. Failure to provide food, shelter, education, medical care, supervision or other necessary care are forms of neglect. Indicators can include:

Constantly hungry

Has poor hygiene

Underweight or exhibits other signs of malnutrition

Development delays

Speech problems

Dressed inappropriately

Unattended physical problems or medical abandonment

Begs or steals food

Exhibits constant fatigue

States there is no caregiver

If you have any questions or need to report report child abuse, please call Crisis Support Services of Nevada: 1-833-803-1183

FAQs About Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse

Child Protective Services (CPS) is required by Nevada law to investigate reports of suspected child abuse and neglect. Their focus is to protect children from harm and to make sure that children live in safe environments. The actions taken by Social Services are determined by the family`s situation. Efforts must be made to help families overcome problems, but sometimes children must be removed from their homes to ensure their safety.

Persons making a report of suspected child abuse or neglect can’t be prosecuted or sued if the report is made without malicious intent. According to Nevada law, the person and agency receiving the report must maintain the anonymity of the person making the report.

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All services provided by Crisis Support Services of Nevada (CSSNV) are free of charge and available to anyone in any crisis situation. CSSNV does not practice nor condone discrimination on the basis of race, color, sexual orientation, age, religion, national origin, marital status, military status, political belief, mental or physical handicap, or any other preference or personal characteristic, condition, or status.
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